GameStop lists PSP 2 at $299.99, launch date 01/01/12

Someone working at GameStop has captured an image of the PSP 2, or as they call it the “Sony PSP NGP” listed on the game retailer’s system. If correct, we now know the release date and price of the new handheld.

Sony has already said that it wants to release the PSP 2 before the end of 2011, but that could just be in its home territory of Japan. Therefore the listed date of 01/01/12 is realistic for a U.S. launch date. As for the price, Sony stated that it definitely won’t cost $599. $299.99 will be a relief to many and isn’t bad at all if you consider the hardware, and only $50 more than the 3DS list price.

GameStop could just be speculating and using these entries as placeholders while it waits for official dates and prices. But the retailer apparently lists prices it doesn’t know as $999.99, so this $300 price point might actually be right.